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Dark in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Dark in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

 

Dark in DeathAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
It was a stab in the dark.

On a chilly February night, during a screening of Psycho in midtown, someone sunk an ice pick into the back of Chanel Rylan’s neck, then disappeared quietly into the crowds of drunks and tourists in Times Square. To Chanel’s best friend, who had just slipped out of the theater for a moment to take a call, it felt as unreal as the ancient black-and-white movie up on the screen. But Chanel’s blood ran red, and her death was anything but fictional.

Then, as Eve Dallas puzzles over a homicide that seems carefully planned and yet oddly personal, she receives a tip from an unexpected source: an author of police thrillers who recognizes the crime—from the pages of her own book. Dallas doesn’t think it’s coincidence, since a recent strangulation of a sex worker resembles a scene from her writing as well. Cops look for patterns of behavior: similar weapons, similar MOs. But this killer seems to find inspiration in someone else’s imagination, and if the theory holds, this may be only the second of a long-running series.

The good news is that Eve and her billionaire husband Roarke have an excuse to curl up in front of the fireplace with their cat, Galahad, reading mystery stories for research. The bad news is that time is running out before the next victim plays an unwitting role in a murderer’s deranged private drama—and only Eve can put a stop to a creative impulse gone horribly, destructively wrong.

 

 

Review:

Dark in Death by J. D. Robb is the 46th book in her fantastic In Death series. I am one of the proud fans who can say that I have read every single book, including novellas in this series…..and I never ever want it to end.  I have said this so many times…I love Eve & Roarke; the best literary couple ever. Ok, now let’s move on to my review. 🙂

Dark in Death begins when Eve has just gotten home from a long day at work, when her phone rings to summon her to a murder scene.  Eve and Peabody will begin to investigate the gruesome death of an actress in a movie theater, which was showing the film Psycho.  The actress was stabbed in the back of her neck with an ice pick, and there were no witnesses, since everyone in the theater was engrossed in the wild violent shower scene of the movie.  

A well known author comes forth to mention that the murder scene resembles one of her books.  In a short time, Eve will realize that this is not the first murder, as a recent death also resembles another of the author’s books.  The race is now on to find the now serial killer before they kill again.

Eve and Roarke begin to read the author’s books to find clues to who & how will be next.  I thought this was a great theme, especially since Eve Dallas written by J.D. Robb is also a murder themed series.  It was kind of a different storyline for Robb (aka Nora Roberts), and yet very interesting.  

What follows is an intense and suspenseful case, with the team desperate to find the murderer.  As they get closer to discovering the identity, the culprit will be a step ahead of them to slip away.  Just when Eve warns people that they could be the next target, to her dismay, they did not listen and another murder happens.  Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the team are able to identify the murderer, but will they be able to stop the next murder in process?  I will not give spoilers, as saying too much more would ruin it for you.

Dark in Death was another wonderful intense, exciting murder mystery in the wonderful world of Eve and Roarke, and the great supporting cast that surrounds them.  It was nice in calmer moments to see Nadine again, as well as Mavis, Leonardo, Bella, not to mention the regulars we have come to love; Peabody, McNab, Feeney, etc.    I loved the scenes with Eve and Roarke cuddling on the sofa by the fireplace reading the books, and with Summerset on vacation, deciding to test out having sex in the other rooms.  Those were the light fun moments, as they are so great together in every way.  Sigh  I love them,  andeven Galahad their cat. lol

Dark in Death was so well written by Robb, and there were some hold your breath moments that kept us on the edge of our seats. If you have not read this series, you are missing one of the best thrillers, with a super couple, and awesome secondary characters.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

 

Celebrity in Death by JD Robb (aka Nora Roberts), is the 34th book in the In Death series. There are also at least 10 novellas in this series, which would bring the count into the 40’s of stories about our beloved Eve & Roarke. But 40 something books later, I still can’t get enough of this series.

 

 

 

Celebrity in Death is another excellent book, and the premise of this story revolves around a movie being made from an earlier case of Eve’s….The Icove Case.   Nadine Furst wrote a successful novel about the shocking case that Eve, Peabody, and the rest of Eve’s team, including Roarke solved.  Now the movie is being produced from Nadine’s book.  The story picks up with Eve and Peabody visiting the set, seeing the actors playing their roles, and meeting all other cast members.  That night, at a dinner for entire cast, including Eve & Roarke,  the evening ended with a murder of one of the cast members. 

The story is done very well, and it kept your interest, as you tried to follow Eve, as she deciphers the clues.  Celebrity in Death was a bit different then many of the recent In-Death books, as it was not as intense, less violence and somewhat not as exciting .  But this was still an excellent read, as you were kept in suspense as to who the murderer was until close to the end.  Then it was interesting to see the twist of how deep this murderer was in other crimes, and the eventual arrest.

But the best thing about this story was to be able to relax, and thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie of the wonderful recurring characters that make up the In-Death series.  As each book comes out, we get to enjoy them even more.   I enjoy many couples in the books I have read, but to me, nothing comes close to the relationship between Eve & Roarke.  I love them together…love how Eve looks at Roarke with amazement that he belongs to her…..how Roarke loves his cop…how when Eve is in the throes of her nightmares from her horrific childhood, Roarke is always there to help pull her out of it….love when he worries, and forces her to eat,  or relieves her tension with their wonderful sexual encounters…adore when Roarke takes her clothes out of the closet to tell her what to wear when she has an important meeting.    They are by far, such an awesome couple, and I never get tired of them.

As I said, the great thing about this series, is that over time, as Eve moves on with her life, and learns to let people into her heart, and care about them, you meet these wonderful recurring characters that have become part of your family too….Peabody, McNab, Nadine, Mira, Mavis, Feeney, Louise, Charles, Baxter, Trueheart, Trina, and of course, the wonderful Summerset, and not to forget the all important Galahad, who has saved her life twice.   Eve, who when the series started stood alone, not allowing herself to have feelings about anyone, and now once she opened the door falling in love with Roarke, you grow with her and see the changes in her.  Just to see them each time, makes me happy.  Excellent book, wonderful series.  

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my good friend, Irene, for convincing me to try this series…40 some odd books later, I have never looked back.  Thank you Irene, for giving me Eve & Roarke.

Reviewed by Barb

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